NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM has joined Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks to announce more than 480,000 people have visited the National Gallery of Victoria for Yayoi Kusama since it opened four months ago.
It is now the highest attended ticketed art exhibition in Australian history. The visitation smashes the previous most popular ticketed art event – 2017’s Van Gogh and the Seasons – which attracted 462,262 people and pumped more than $51 million into the Victorian economy.
“This record-breaking exhibition has brought five MCGs worth of visitors to the heart of Melbourne – that’s great for local jobs, great for local businesses and great for families looking for something to do these holidays,” said Premier Allan.
“We’re proud to help the NGV deliver these incredible experiences that captivate audiences from around the world, once again cementing Melbourne’s status as the cultural capital of the nation,” added Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks.
Yayoi Kusama is an icon of art. The 96-year-old Japanese artist is recognised globally for her distinctive and colourful work. The immersive exhibition, which is supported by the Victorian Government’s Major Events Fund, features 200 works and was developed especially for Australian audiences.
The program also has free and family-friendly activities to enjoy over the school holidays, including the children’s gallery Kusama for Kids which features an interactive work The Obliteration Room. Kids can also participate in an NGV Easter egg hunt on Thursday 17 April.
“We’re truly overwhelmed by how enthusiastically Victorians and visitors alike have embraced this exhibition – and connected so strongly with Kusama’s work and life story,” said said NGV Director, Tony Ellwood AM.
“This milestone is a testament to the enduring impact of Kusama’s work and the growing appeal of contemporary art in Australia.”
Yayoi Kusama is on display at NGV International until Monday 21 April 2025. Art admirers and families still have time to take it all in – with the exhibition extending its opening hours until midnight for four out of its last five days. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Yayoi Kusama – photo by Yusuke Miyazaki